Glaux maritima L.

Sea-milkwort

Sea milkwort is native to Europe, central Asia, and North America.

Plants: Succulent plants are 1–12″ (3–30 cm) tall. They may be erect or lying down (prostrate). Stems are thick and leafy right to the tip, with flowers appearing along the length.

Leaves: Fleshy, linear to oblong, ⅛–⅞″ (5–25 mm) long, and stalkless.

Flowers: Flowers, attached to leaf axils, are white or pinkish. Each flower is ⅛–3/16″ (4–5 mm) around, and has a calyx that resembles fused petals, but no actual petals. They have five sepals. Flowers appear in mid to late spring.

Fruits: Capsules 1/16–⅛″ (2.5–3.5 mm) long.

Habitats: Coastal habitats such as salt marshes, but also appears inland in wet ground and water, and alkaline meadows. It tolerates high salinity.

Medical: Some coastal tribes brewed a tea from sea milkwort, said to produce relaxation and help with sleep.

Online References:

Older scientific or horticultural names

Glaux maritima description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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